WASHINGTON -- NBA scoring leader Bradley Beal will be held out of a game for rest for the first time this season, sitting out Washington's matchup with the New York Knicks on Friday.

Beal is averaging 32.8 points and 35.3 minutes per game for Washington (6-16), which is among the league's worst teams. The Wizards' ongoing struggles have fueled persistent rumors that Beal will be traded.

The only previous game Beal missed this season was a loss to the Miami Heat on Jan. 9 because of the league's COVID-19 protocols.

Washington's other starting guard, Russell Westbrook -- who was acquired in a trade with Houston before the season -- has missed seven games this season for rest or because of injury.